Without much introduction, and in no particular order, here are the three storybooks I found the most interesting:
Lost in the Woods, by Kelly Barksdale
From the title page; this picture definitely sets the mood for Kelly's stories
Kelly's introduction is an interesting setup: a search party has been organized to find a missing student in a wooded area, and each of the groups ends up telling a myth/story that involves woods (for example, Hansel and Gretel). I really liked this format: her introduction doesn't outright tell you what stories there are or the purpose of the storybook. You don't figure it out until the second story, when you realize each group is telling stories to distract themselves from the task at hand. The ending is also nice, as it ties into the stereotype of the stories.
Tragically Ever After, by Anon
Also from the title page; a gloomy picture for gloomy stories
Just like the title says, these are about the afters of fairy tales, and why they may not be happy. The characters may have been happy for a short period of time, but then life comes in and causes doom and gloom. I like the variety that the author created: in two of the stories there's death, but one is just that the marriage simply isn't suitable, but the characters have to go through with it anyway. Depressing, definitely. But interesting takes on the stories.
Happily Ever After? A Prince's Perspective, by Kate Brandon
From the title page; suddenly the mess of the seven dwarves don't look so bad
This one is a mix between the other two storybooks I looked at, as it doesn't straight retell the stories, but also has a "what-if" component. This has each of the princes from various tales questioning what their life would be like if they didn't rescue the princess. Of course it's always better that they found their princess, so there's still a happily ever after. It's a bit stereotypical (it's very G rated and follows along the It's a Wonderful life plot), but a fun, light read all the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment